love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter IX - The First Conference

 Violence, destruction, fire, death, blood. For centuries, warfare was the only sight humankind can find. The world was enveloped with darkness, and the hearts of each individual were inscribed with hatred. Living became a curse, and death became mercy.

But with the deafening outcries of each kingdom, the silver lining of peace appeared.

A hero once fought with a long, flowing black coat that nearly reached the floor, two deadly swords that had taken many lives, and an imposing black mask covering his face.

He was called the Black Swordsman, and he brought peace to the land.

Many had been wondering what the source of his power was; some have said that it was his years of training with the best swordsmen. Others have said that it was simply his determination and will to live that gave him victory.

Whatever it was, his power had conquered all opposition and had brought peace upon the realm.

[Dark Territory_ Imperial Palace]

"How long must I wait, Quinella?!" Oberon groaned, pacing back and forth in the wide balcony of the left wing of the castle.

A table was placed in between him and the silver-haired queen, with a well-fermented, 50-year old bottle of wine on top.

Quinella chuckled, playing with the goblet in her hand, causing the wine inside to swirl; she then peered into it and saw her reflection.

"Not too long..." she smirked, a dark aura gathering around her as she pondered about her expected victory. "I didn't expect the ruler of such a great kingdom to be such a great fool."

Oberon laughed hysterically, gulping down his wine and carelessly slamming it on the table with a deep thump . A broad smile appeared in his face as he lost himself in his wild, drunken fantasies.

"Oh, I can't wait to taste her!" He exclaimed maniacally.

Suddenly, his laughter was interrupted by the sound of the wooden door opening.

"My Lord!" Oberon immediately got on his knees and bowed his head upon the entrance of the Dark Territory's Emperor. He was wearing a dark, floor-length robe that matched the dark crown looped around his forehead and concealed his figure, and two wavy locks of golden hair fell at the sides of his face.

"Perfect timing. You should join us." Quinella stood from her seat, faced the king and smiled at him.

"Listen Quinella, I hate playing with your games," the King growled. "Not until the day you hand us your daughter will I truly put my trust on you.

"Rest assured. The wedding will not be long in coming." She gently placed her empty goblet on the glass table and walked closer to him. "Afterwards," she whispered in his ear. "I will get what I want. With your army, I will take down Aincrad. We will rule the world together."

She didn't let the king reply and continued walking towards the exit of the room. Certain that her scheming would come to fruition, she went back to her Cathedral.

[Aincrad_ Ruby Palace_ Prince's Study Room]

"Did you agree to it?" Eugeo inquired, watching the Prince pace back and forth before he flopped himself into one of the couches.

"Do I have any other choice? Raios is taking this as an opportunity to gain more of my Father's favor and the people's support." The prince flopped onto the bed, let out a loud sigh, pulled himself up a bit, and rested his head on a palm while he ran a hand through his hair.